Philippines Golfing - The Top Ten Courses
Some of the best golf courses in the Asian region are found in the Philippines. This is quite strange as the Philippines is the last place that comes to mind when you think about golf. There has been no great golfer coming from the Philippines in the last few decades and the sport has a diminishing popularity in the country, but when it comes to golf facilities, they are absolutely world-class and some of the best in the world. The golf courses not only provide sports facilities but a beautiful scenery and ambience that would help you relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Below is a list of what are considered to be the top ten courses in the Philippines.
Manila
1. Wack Wack Golf & Country Club
The most exclusive among all the golf courses in the Philippines, the Wack Wack Golf & Country Club was the host of the Philippine Open golf tournament for a number of years before being switched to the Manila Golf Club. The Wack Wack Golf Club has two 18-hole courses of championship standards. It is a members-only club and guests cannot enter without a member. The green fee is among the most expensive in the Philippines at $100 on weekdays and $140 on weekends.
2. Canlubang Golf & Country Club
This is the largest club in the Philippines with 36 holes of golf! The fairways are wide, undulating and full of coconut trees. This gives it a very Asian and tropical feel. Additionally, it is full of all the features of a great course, like man-made lakes, ravines, and huge sandtraps. It is located 1 hour south of Manila in Canlubang, Laguna area. Though a private course, tourists can play on weekdays.
3. Club Intramuros
Built in the 1930's, Club Intramuros Golf Course is located on Bonifacio Drive at the corner of Aduana Street in Intramuros, Manila. A major renovation in the 1960's expanded the golf course to 18 holes. This is a unique course in that it is short (par 66, with a length of just over 4,000 yards), but loaded with plenty of hazards and challenges - water hazards, close out of bounds, and lots of sand. This is where you can really improve your short game. A round can be completed in a little over two hours. This course is open to the public, but reservations need to be made at least two days in advance. Green fees are $29 weekdays or weekends.
4. Villamor Golf Club
This course is located at the Villamor Golf Course in Pasay City in Manila. It is very flat, but nevertheless very challenging due to trees and numerous water hazards. All the fairways are lined with beautiful mature trees. It has hosted the Philippine Masters tournament a number of times. Green fees are $25 weekdays and $39 weekends. It is a public course.
Cebu City
5. Alta Vista Golf & Country Club
The mountainous terrain of the Alta Vista Golf & Country Club makes it one of the most challenging golf courses to play on. Though small in size, the golf course will test your golfing abilities to the maximum. The beauty of the surroundings is pleasing to the eyes and many people have bought their homes near this area. If you are looking for a great selection of places to stay with discount prices, visit Where to stay in Cebu for more information.
6. Cebu Country Club
This is an old and traditional course, with the first facilities built in 1948 on a rural farm, near what was then a quiet country town (Cebu City). Members here are proud of their course, as it has been continuously improved since it was created, and has a reputation as a world-class course. It has all you seek in a great course - winding fairways, trees everywhere, and plenty of white sand traps furnished with coral rock. Green fees are $42 weekdays and $73 weekends. It is a private club, but it is open to guests and tourists.
Davao City
7. Apo Golf & Country Club
This course is famous for accommodating players of all skill levels, as most of the greens are huge and flat. The grounds are kept in meticulous condition, and with its vast coconut plantation, abundant hardwoods and tropical landscape it is an awesome experience even for non-golfers to see. This course also is open to tourists, but reservations are required.
8. Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club
The Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & Country Club is the hottest golf course in all of Asia. The design and management of the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & Country Club is based on the motto of being environment-friendly. This is one of the best golf courses in the world and attracts golfers from all over the region. Though the club has a membership, it is open to tourists who can make reservations beforehand.
Baguio
9. Camp John Hay Golf Club
The greenery at the Camp John Hay Golf Club is sure to leave you breathless. One of the highest golf courses, with a 5000 feet elevation, the Camp John Hay Golf Club is made in an old U.S. Air Force Base. The green fee for this golf course is $50.
Boracay
10. Fairways and Bluewater Golf & Country Club
People usually go to Boracay for its world famous white sand beaches. However, the Bluewater golf course is one of the best kept secrets of Boracay. It was designed by Graham Marsh, and offers a challenging and different experience with every hold. Whereas the front nine is relatively flat with lots of hazards, the back nine is hilly with less hazards. Perhaps not as famous or up to the standards of the above 9 courses, it rates in the top ten due to its location on the beautiful resort island of Boracay, where one can play golf in the day and party on the beach at night. It is open to the public.